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12 months of 2024: August

Two fifths (42%) of employees believed that the Olympics boosted workplace productivity

As we reach the end of the year, our '12 Days of Christmas'-style countdown rounds up key stories from each month of 2024.

In August, we reported on how HR could support employees during the summer riots; how the Olympics impacted productivity, and bullying accusations against Kemi Badenoch.

HR's role in supporting people amid UK riots

Civil unrest broke out around the UK in response to the fatal stabbing of two young girls in Southport; mobs targeted shops, mosques, and hotels accommodating asylum seekers. We asked how HR could support employees during the riots.

“The [HR] profession plays a critical role in highlighting the legal and ethical duty of care organisations have to all people that work for them, helping with any changes that might reduce risk and helping people feel supported,” said David D’Souza, the CIPD's director of profession.

“Employers need to plan and respond to direct impacts as well as more generalised risk. There is no place for racism in society or our workplaces.”

Officials accuse Kemi Badenoch of bullying

Kemi Badenoch was accused of creating an intimidating atmosphere when she was secretary of state for business and trade.

Three department officials alleged that Badenoch subjected staff to sustained humiliation and bullying, which drove staff to tears and led to at least three staff members leaving the department.

Badenoch, who subsequently won the Conservative Party leadership, denied the allegations. No formal complaints were found to have been made.

“These allegations are a powerful reminder of the critical need for intentionally creating cultures of psychological safety and respect, where employees feel valued and safe,” commented Aggie Yemurai Mutuma, CEO of DEI consultancy Mahogany Inclusion Partners.

Olympics inspires productivity boost

Nearly two thirds (61%) of employees reported that the 2024 summer Olympics inspired them to deliver more creative and innovative work, research published by representatives of the project management platform monday.com highlighted. 

Two fifths (42%) of employees believed that the Olympics boosted overall productivity in the workplace.

This rose to 62% of Gen Z respondents, who were also more likely (75%) than Baby Boomers (42%) to report being inspired to produce better work after watching Team GB win. 

Events like the Olympics present an “ideal opportunity” for HR to inspire leaders and managers, said Sarah Hernon, principal consultant for management consultancy Right Management.

 

Best of HR magazine in August 2024:

Next loses equal pay tribunal after basing pay on market rates

Positive masculinity can move the dial on inclusion

BBC to look into recovering Huw Edwards' pay